Corpus Christi police officer injured

Man knocks officer out, bystanders come to his aid

CORPUS CHRISTI - A Corpus Christi police officer was briefly knocked unconscious on Friday afternoon after he was pushed to the ground by a 36-year-old man in front of a business in the 6700 block of Weber Road, police said.

Bystanders who saw the incident intervened and as Senior Officer Steve Smith lay on the ground, they called for help and used his handcuffs to detain the man until backup arrived, said Lt. Heidi Frese.

"One of the worst things we can ever have is an unconscious officer because he is totally defenseless," Frese said, adding the bystanders should be commended for their actions.

Police arrested Randy Perez a short time later on charges of assaulting a public servant and resisting arrest. The incident was still under investigation by police. Perez remained in the Nueces County Jail on bonds totaling $5,500 on Friday.

Smith, who regained consciousness, was taken to Christus Spohn Hospital South with not life threatening injuries.